CITY OF NEW HAVEN REMINDS PROPERTY OWNERS: IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CLEAR SIDEWALKS AFTER A SNOW STORM

(1/6/2009) NEW HAVEN- With the possibility of more snow affecting New Haven in the near future, the City is reminding property owners that clearing snow on the sidewalks around their homes or businesses is their responsibility. This rule applies to both commercial and residential property owners and requires that sidewalks be cleared within 24 hours of the end of a storm.

“If the City receives a complaint or if we come upon a sidewalk that has not been cleared within 24 hours of the end of a storm we will notify the property owner and issue a warning that requires them to comply within 24 hours,” said Andrew Rizzo, Executive Director, Livable City Initiative. “Should the property owner not comply they will receive a citation that carries a $100 per day fine.”

During a snow storm, residents are also encouraged to check the City’s website or call 203-946-SNOW for information on parking bans, service changes and other weather emergency messages. The City of New Haven also utilizes the 3N Emergency Notification System to communicate emergency information. As the system currently stands, all land-line phone numbers currently listed in the White Pages in New Haven participate in the program and receive phone calls during weather and other emergencies that make residents aware of bans, changes to services and other important information. However, residents whose phone numbers are unlisted and those who have chosen to place their phone numbers on the national Do Not Call List, do not receive these calls.

Residents are all strongly encouraged to opt-in and add their phone numbers to the City’s notification system so that they do not miss-out urgent information. Residents can opt-in by visiting: http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/EmergencyInfo/optin.asp